Asian Bakeries in the UK: Japanese, Korean, Chinese & More
Asian bakeries have their own distinct style, quite different from European baking. The breads are pillowy and slightly sweet, the cakes are light and airy rather than rich and dense, and the flavours range from red bean, taro and black sesame to matcha, ube and pandan. Japanese, Korean, Hong Kong, Taiwanese, Malaysian and Filipino bakeries each have their own specialities, and many have been embraced far beyond the communities that founded them.
Every Asian bakery in our open-data listings can be sorted by how far it is from you with the 'Find near me' button. London's Chinatown, Soho, New Malden and Kensington have the biggest concentrations, along with Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Many work on a tray-and-tongs self-service system: pick up a tray, choose your buns from the shelves and pay at the till.
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Asian Bakeries by city
Popular asian bakeries 1–30 of 38
Sakurado London Patisserie
Unit 11 Kensington Arcade, 123 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SF
One counter, many traditions
Each national style has its own signatures, though bakeries often mix them.
- Japanese – shokupan milk bread, melon pan, curry pan, anpan with red bean, castella, fluffy cotton cheesecake
- Hong Kong and Cantonese – egg tarts, pineapple buns (bolo bao), cocktail buns, char siu bao, swiss rolls
- Korean – cream cheese garlic bread, soboro crumble buns, honey butter bread, red bean doughnuts
- Taiwanese – pork floss buns, pineapple cakes, scallion bread
- Filipino – pandesal, ube ensaymada and ube cake
- Malaysian and Singaporean – pandan chiffon cake, kaya buns
Why the bread is so soft
The texture comes from a technique known as tangzhong or yudane, in which a small portion of the flour is cooked with water or milk into a paste before being added to the dough. This lets the flour absorb more moisture, so the bread is softer, springier and stays fresh longer. Combined with milk, butter and a little sugar, it produces the cloud-like crumb that makes Japanese shokupan so popular for sandwiches and toast.
Tips before you go
- Pick up a tray and tongs at the door – most Asian bakeries are self-service.
- Go mid-morning or early afternoon; popular buns sell out and batches are refreshed through the day.
- Fillings like red bean, taro and custard are sweet; pork floss and curry are savoury – check labels.
- Many buns contain egg, milk and sometimes gelatine in cream fillings; ask if you have dietary needs.
- Shokupan freezes well; slice before freezing and toast from frozen.
Fun fact: The Hong Kong pineapple bun contains no pineapple at all – it gets its name from the crackled, golden sugar crust on top, which looks like the skin of a pineapple.
What to order
- ShokupanJapanese milk bread – thick-cut for toast or soft fruit sandos.
- Egg tartHong Kong-style with either flaky puff or short pastry and a silky, set custard.
- Pineapple bun (bolo bao)Soft bun with a sweet, crackled top; best with a slab of cold butter inside.
- Curry panBreaded, fried bun filled with Japanese curry.
- Korean cream cheese garlic bunSix-sided bun with sweet cream cheese and garlic butter.
- Cotton cheesecakeJiggly, soufflé-like and much lighter than Western cheesecake.
- Matcha or black sesame roll cakeLight sponge with whipped cream, delicately flavoured.
Typical prices in 2026
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filled bun (anpan, bolo bao etc.) | £1.80–£3.80 | Cheaper in Chinatown bakeries |
| Egg tart | £1.50–£3.00 | Portuguese-style versions too |
| Shokupan loaf | £4.50–£8.00 | Pre-sliced thick or thin |
| Curry pan | £3.00–£4.50 | Best warm |
| Slice of roll cake | £3.50–£5.50 | Whole rolls to order |
| Whole cotton cheesecake | £12–£25 | Keep refrigerated |
Guide prices across UK independents and chains; London and specialist bakeries often sit at the top of the range.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Japanese bakery near me?
Use 'Find near me' to sort Asian bakeries by distance – the list includes Japanese bakeries alongside Korean and Chinese ones. Japanese bakeries are most common in central London and larger cities, but many Asian bakeries stock Japanese-style milk bread, melon pan and matcha bakes. Check the listing for each bakery's specialities.
What is a Hong Kong egg tart?
A Hong Kong egg tart has a smooth, glossy, pale-yellow custard set in either flaky puff pastry or a crumbly shortcrust base. Unlike the Portuguese pastel de nata, which is caramelised and blistered on top, the Hong Kong version is baked more gently, giving a silky, bright surface and a milder sweetness.
Why is Japanese milk bread so soft?
Japanese milk bread uses a pre-cooked flour paste called tangzhong or yudane, which traps more moisture in the dough. Combined with milk, butter and sugar, this produces a very soft, springy, slightly sweet loaf that stays fresh longer than standard white bread. It is ideal for toast and sandwiches.
Do Asian bakeries sell celebration cakes?
Yes – many Asian bakeries make light chiffon or sponge cakes layered with whipped cream and fresh fruit, a style very popular for birthdays. Matcha, mango, taro and ube flavours are common. Order a few days ahead for whole cakes, especially around Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival.